Information processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus for physically-handicapped users includes a keyboard for inputting visual display information adapted be the visually perceived, a first display for displaying the visual information in a form so as to be visually perceived, a converter for converting the visual display information into sounds which can be understood by a visually-impaired user or into tactile display information adapted to be perceived by a hearing impaired user, and a second display for outputting the information converted by the converter as a sound or a vibration.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/077,050filed Jun. 16, 1993, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus which canbe used by the visually-handicapped and by the hearing and visuallyimpaired, as well as by normal users.

2. Description of the Related Art

An investigation made in February, 1987 by the Ministry of PublicWelfare of Japan indicates that the number of physically-handicappedpeople of at least 18 years old in Japan is 2.4 millions. Among them,the number of visually-handicapped people is 307,000, which correspondsto 12.7% of the total number of physically-handicapped people. Only17,000 of these visually-handicapped people have been hired in Japan ona full-time basis. This number corresponds to only 5.5% of the totalnumber of visually-handicapped people.

Even physically-handicapped people must deal with the new technologypossessed by the current information-oriented society. We are surroundedwith many kinds of information processing apparatuses, such as copiers,facsimile apparatuses, personal computers and the like. The use of suchinformation processing apparatuses is considered to be one of thegreatest handicaps possessed by a visually-handicapped person whointends to adapt himself to social life. Since tasks relating toinformation processing, such as the preparation of programs and thelike, can be performed even at one's home, such tasks are essentiallysuitable for physically-handicapped people. However, variousrestrictions present in current information processing apparatuseshinder physically-handicapped people from fully participating insociety.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventionalinformation processing apparatus. In the present case, a descriptionwill be provided illustrating a printer which is frequently used as apiece of peripheral equipment for a personal computer. FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate the external appearance of the printer.

In FIG. 1, a data input device 1 receives character data from a personalcomputer in the form of parallel or serial data. A CENTRONIX parallelinterface is most frequently used as such a device. Control device 2converts input data into character fonts and transmits font data to anoutput device 3, controls the operation of the entire printer, anddisplays error information, such as information indicating theexhaustion of printing paper or the like, on a display output unit 5.Output device 3 prints character fonts on printing paper. Input device 4includes switches to turn on and off a power supply, and to inputcommands for sheet feeding. These switches are arranged on the surfaceof the printer. In the external appearance of the printer shown in FIG.2B, which shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2A, referencenumerals 31, 32, 38, 34 and 35 represent an on-line switch, a line-feedswitch, a page-change switch, a fine-forward-feed switch and afine-reverse-feed switch, respectively. Since the position of each ofsuch input units can be confirmed by touch, such units can be used evenby visually-handicapped people.

Referring again to FIG. 1, display output unit 5 displays the states ofthe power supply, the printing paper and the like using LED's(light-emitting diodes) or the like. Such display devices are arrangedon the front surface of the apparatus. In the external appearance of theprinter shown in FIG. 2B, reference numerals 29, 30, 36 and 37 representa power-supply indicator (red), an on-line indicator (red), a paperindicator (orange) and an error indicator (orange), respectively. Theseindicators constitute the display output unit 5 shown in FIG. 1. Sincethe display of these indicators depends on the functioning of the visualsense, a visually-handicapped person cannot know even whether or notthey are lit, much less their color.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of circuitry of theabove-described display output unit 5. Output terminals of controldevice 2 are connected to input terminals P1-P4 of display output device5. If any one of the terminals P1-P4 assumes a high level, the polarityof the signal at that terminal is inverted by open-collector invertercircuit element (LS05) IC8 to drive the corresponding one of LED'sLD1-LD4. Resistors R71-R74 are stabilizing resistors of input circuitryof the respective inverter circuit elements IC8. Resistors R75-R78 arecurrent-limiting resistors for the respective LED's. Terminal Vcc isconnected to the power-supply voltage to supply the circuit elements andLED's with power.

A visually-handicapped person may manage to perform an input operationby training his tactile sense, but cannot visually know the mode displayoutput of a printer. One of the solutions for such a problem is"OPTACON" (a product name) which has been developed by Dr. John G.Linvill of the Stanford University in 1971 and has been marketed by theTSI Company. The name "OPTACON" stands for "Optical to tactileconverter". An OPTACON device is 16 cm wide, 16 cm deep and 4.8 cm high,has a weight of 840 grams, and is portable. FIG. 4 shows theconfiguration of the OPTACON device. The operation of the device will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4, illuminating device 41 includes a small electric lamp and areflecting mirror (not shown). Document 43 is illuminated byilluminating light 42 from illuminating device 41. Image pickup device44 images the image of document 43 passing through a zoom lens (notshown) onto a small silicon photodiode, named a silicon retina, whichserves as an eye's retina, and converts the image into electricalsignals. The optical magnification can be changed in the range of 2.5 bychanging the magnification of the zoom lens. Processing device 45extracts signals necessary to form characters and symbols from theelectrical signals, and transmits the extracted signals to displaydevice 46. Display device 46 is also termed a tactile board, and has 100small holes in total, i.e., 5 columns of holes in the vertical directionand 20 rows of holes in the horizontal direction, each holeaccommodating a pin. When an electrical signal is transmitted fromprocessing device 45 to display device (tactile board) 46, thecorresponding pins are raised from the holes and finely vibrate in adirection vertical with respect to the surface of the board.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pin arrangement of display device (tactile board)46, comprising 5 columns of holes in the vertical direction and 7 rowsof holes in the horizontal direction. A black circle indicates a statein which a pin is raised from the corresponding hole. A white circleindicates a state in which a pin is situated at its original position.By touching the pin pattern with his fingers, the user can recognize acharacter "". A black circle present on the fifth row and the firstcolumn indicates noise. Such noise is produced caused by a stain, or theadherence of ink or the like on the surface of the paper. If the amountof noise is increased, tactile sensing of information becomes difficult.

In the case of a black character written on white paper, only pinscorresponding to black portions are raised and vibrate to notify theuser's fingers of the form of the character as it is seen. Thus, theuser can know using an OPTACON device not only printed characters, butalso hand-written characters, a drawing, a music note, the pattern of amaterial of clothes, and the like. The user can even know the displayoutputs of the above-described indicators of the printer.

However, the above-described conventional output method, in whichinformation on a display output picture surface is converted into a pinpattern using an image pickup device, has the following problems.

1) The image pickup device must be pressed against the output picturesurface of a visual display (for example, an (indicator), causingdifficulty in its operation. Particularly when the output picturesurface of a visual display, such as an indicator, has a small size, itis difficult to position the image pickup device with respect to thepicture surface.

2) A change in the display output cannot be known unless the imagepickup device continues to be pressed against the picture surface of avisual display, such as an indicator. For that purpose, the user mustuse his two hands, and so he cannot perform other operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of theabove-described problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an informationprocessing apparatus which can be used by the visually-handicapped, andby the visually and hearing impaired, as well as by normal users, and inwhich an image pickup device need not be pressed against the outputpicture surface of a visual display, resulting in an easy operation andease of use for other kinds of operations.

According to one aspect, the present invention, which achieves at leastone of these objectives relates to an information processing apparatusfor a physically-handicapped users. The apparatus comprises informationinput means for inputting visual display information adapted to bevisually perceived, first display output means for displaying the visualdisplay information in a form so as to be visually perceived, conversionmeans for converting the visual display information into auditorydisplay information adapted to be auditorially perceived by a visuallyimpaired user or into tactile display information adapted to beperceived using into tactile perception by a hearing impaired user, andsecond display output means for outputting the information converted bythe conversion means as a sound or a vibration.

According to another aspect, the present invention which achieves atleast one of these objectives relates to an electronic apparatus forprocessing information, comprising display means for displayinginformation relating to the functioning of the apparatus, and outputmeans for outputting information displayed by the display means with asound or a vibration.

According to another aspect, the present invention which achieves atleast one of the objectives relates to an electronic apparatus forprocessing information, comprising display means for displayinginformation relating to the functioning of the apparatus, output meansfor outputting information displayed by the display means with a soundor a vibration, and instruction means for instructing the output meansto output information displayed by the display means.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesat least one of these objectives relates to an electronic apparatus forprocessing information, comprising generating means for generatinginformation relating to the functioning of the apparatus, display meansfor displaying the information generated by the generating means, outputmeans for outputting the information displayed by the display means witha sound or a vibration, and instruction means for instructing the outputmeans to output the information displayed by the display means.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese at least one of objectives relates to an electronic apparatus forprocessing information comprising generating means for generating modeinformation relating to the functioning of the apparatus, display meansfor displaying the mode information generated by the generating means,output means for outputting the mode information displayed by thedisplay means with a sound or a vibration, and instruction means forinstructing the output means to output the mode information displayed bythe display means.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become clear by referring to the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments together with reference to theaccompanying drawings. play means for performing display relating to thefunction of the apparatus, and output means for outputting the contentsdisplayed by the display means with a sound or vibration.

According to another aspect, the present invention which achieves thisobjective relates to an electronic apparatus having a function ofprocessing information, comprising display means for performing displayrelating to the function of the apparatus, output means for outputtingthe contents displayed by the display means with a sound or vibration,and instruction means for making the output means output the contentsdisplayed by the display means.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthis objective relates to an electronic apparatus having a function ofprocessing information, comprising generation means for generatinginformation relating to the function of the apparatus, display means fordisplaying relating to the information generated by the generationmeans, output means for outputting the information displayed by thedisplay means with a sound or vibration, and instruction means formaking the output means output the contents displayed by the displaymeans.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthis objective relates to an electronic apparatus having a function ofprocessing information, comprising generation means for generating modeinformation relating to the function of the apparatus, display means fordisplaying the mode information generated by the generation means,output means for outputting the mode information displayed by thedisplay means with a sound or vibration, and instruction means formaking the output means output the mode information displayed by thedisplay means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventionalapparatus;

FIG. 2A is a partially-enlarged perspective view showing the externalappearance of the conventional apparatus;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG.2A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the circuitryof a display output unit of a conventional apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of aconventional reading apparatus for visually-handicapped users;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a pin pattern on the display unit shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of theentire apparatus according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the circuitryof a principal part of the apparatus of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing respective timings for input and outputsignals of the circuitry shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the circuitryof a principal part of an apparatus according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing respective timings for input andoutput signals of the circuitry shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of theentire apparatus according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic configuration of the entire printeraccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, thedevices or units indicated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1are the same devices or units having the same functions as in FIG. 1.Hence, a description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 6, conversiondevice 6 converts visual display information to be transmitted to firstdisplay output unit 5 into auditory information or tactile information.Second display output unit 7 outputs information in the form of a seconddisplay output, i.e., a sound, a voice, or a vibration. Second inputdevice 8 is used for inputting an instruction for switching when it isdesired to obtain a second display output.

FIG. 7 shows the detailed configuration of the circuitry of a principalpart of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 shows input and outputtimings for the circuitry. The operation of the present embodiment willnow be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In FIG. 7,inverter circuit elements IC8, LED's LD1-LD4 and the peripheralcircuitry thereof are the same as those of the conventional apparatusshown in FIG. 3. Hence, a description thereof will be omitted. Thisportion corresponds to the first display output unit shown in FIG. 6. InFIG. 8, at time t0, display output signals P1-P4 assume H (high), H, L(low) and L levels, respectively, that is, power-supply indicator 29 isturned on, on-line indicator 30 is turned on, error indicator 37 isturned off, and paper indicator 36 is turned off (see FIG. 2).

The following description mainly relates to a portion corresponding toconversion device 6 shown in FIG. 6. Input signals P1-P4 to respectiveinverter circuit elements IC8 are outputted from first display outputunit 5 and are input as input signals to latch circuit element LATCH ofconversion device 6. Latch circuit element LATCH latches input signalsin response to input signal T00 at times t7 and t14. Thus, the currentdisplay output signals P1-P4 and latched past display output signalsR1-R4 are input to two-input exclusive OR circuit elements EXOR1-EXOR4.The outputs of elements EXOR1-EXOR4 are signals S1-S4, respectively,which are input into five-input OR circuit element OR1.

If any of two-input exclusive OR circuit elements EXOR1-EXOR4 assumes anH (high) level, or if input switch SW is switched on to provide a signalS5 input into circuit element OR1, the output signal SO of five-input ORcircuit element OR1 assumes an H level. The input switch SW correspondsto the second input device 8 shown in FIG. 6.

Suppose that input switch SW is switched on at time t0. One-shot circuitelement OS1 is thereby triggered to generate output signal T0. Ringcounter circuit element RC starts to operate in response to receivingoutput signal T0. Output signals T1-T4 are sequentially output from ringcounter circuit element RC. Output signals T1-T4 and the current displayoutput signal P1-P4 are input into two-input AND circuit elementsAND1-AND4, respectively. Specifically, signal P1 is input into AND4,signal P2 is input into AND3, signal P3 is input into AND2, and signalP4 is input into AND1. Output signals U1-U4 from two-input AND circuitelements AND1-AND4, respectively, develop the current display outputsignals at times t0-t5 to provide H, H, L and L levels, respectively.Specifically, U1 is at the H level between times t0 and t2 and thenassumes the L level from times t2 to t7 in response to T1 assuming the Llevel. U2 is at the L level between times t0 and t2 and assumes the Hlevel from times t2 to t3 and then again assumes the L level from timest3 to t8 in response to signal T2 assuming an H level from times t2 tot3. U3 remains at an L level from times t0 to t9, assumes an H levelfrom times t10 to t11, and then returns to the L level in response tosignal T3 assuming an H level from times t3 to t4 and from times t10 tot11. U4 remains at an L level from times t0 to t15. The output signalsU1-U4 become input signals to analog switch circuit elements AS1-AS4,respectively, and control the output signals of audio-frequencyoscillators OSC1-0SC4, respectively.

Oscillators OSC1, OSC2, OSC3 and OSC4 generate sine waves havingfrequencies of 400 Hz (hertz), 600 Hz, 800 Hz and 1200 Hz, respectively.The output signals V1-V4 of oscillators OSC1-OSC4, respectively, aregenerated via analog switch circuit elements AS1-AS4, respectively, onlywhen the above-described output signals U1-U4 assume an H level. Thatis, in the case of FIG. 8, a 400-Hz sine wave is generated between timest0 and t2, and a 600-Hz sine wave is generated between times t2 and t3.The levels of output signals V1-V4 are adjusted by resistors R10-R40 forlevel adjustment, respectively, and the respective signals are amplifiedby amplifier AMP. The output signal V0 of amplifier AMP drives speakerSP. Thus, when input switch SW has been switched on, a sound having anaudio frequency corresponding to the current display output signal P1-P4for visual display is generated from speaker SP. This portioncorresponds to second display output unit 7 shown in FIG. 6.

At time t6, output signal T0 assumes an L level. First one-shot circuitelement OS1 operates between times t0 and t6. A second one-shot circuitelement OS2 is triggered in response to signal T0 assuming an L level togenerate its output signal T00. At time t7, output signal T00 assumes anL level. Second one-shot circuit element OS2 operates between times t6and t7 (and later between times t13 and t14). The change of outputsignal T00 to an L level provides a latch input signal to latch circuitelement LATCH. Latch circuit element LATCH then latches current displayoutput signals P1-P4 as latch data R1-R4. At time t7, both signals P1-P4and latch data R1-R4 assume the same level. Hence, the output signalsS1-S4 of two-input exclusive OR circuit elements EXOR1-EXOR4 remain atthe L level.

Suppose that at time t8, display output signal P3 changes from an Llevel (the error indicator is turned off) to an H level (the errorindicator is turned on). At time t8, the output signal S3 of two-inputexclusive OR circuit element EXOR3 changes to an H level. As at time t0,one-shot circuit element OS1 is thereby triggered to generate outputsignal T0. Ring counter circuit element RC starts to operate in responseto receiving output signal T0. Output signals T1-T4 are thensequentially output from ring counter circuit element RC.

As when depressing input switch SW, the current display output signalsP1-P4 are developed to assume H, H, H and L levels, respectively,between times t8 and t12. As between times t0 and t3, signals S1, S3,S4, and S5 assume or remain at the L level. In addition, signal T1assumes the H level between times t8 and t9 and then returns to the Llevel, signal T2 assumes the H level between times t9 and t10 and thenreturns to the L level, signal T3 assumes the H level between times t10and t11 and then returns to the L level, and signal T4 assumes the Hlevel between times t11 and t12 and then returns to the L level.Consequently, signal U1 assumes the H level between times t8 and t9,signal U2 assumes the H level between times t9 and t10, and signal U3assumes the H level between times t10 and t11. Signal U4 remains at theL level. As between times t0 and t3, between times t8 and t11, a 400-Hzsine wave, a 600-Hz sine wave and a 800-Hz sine wave are generatedbetween times t8 and t9, t9 and t10, and t10 and t11, respectively, asamplifier output signal V0 between times t8 and t11. The output signalV0 drives speaker SP. Thus, if any visual display output changes, asound having an audio frequency corresponding to the current displayoutput signal P1-P4 is generated from speaker SP. According to theabove-described operation, a display output which could be confirmedonly by the visual sense is converted into a sound and is provided tothe user. It is apparent that this information output in the form of asound can be easily understood even by a visually-handicapped user.

Subsequently, at time t13, output signal T0 assumes an L level. One-shotcircuit element OS2 is thereby triggered to generate its output signalT00 which is at an H level between times t13 and t14 and whichthereafter assumes an L level. The change of output signal T00 to an Llevel at time t14 provides a latch input signal to latch circuit elementLATCH. Latch circuit element LATCH latches current display signals P1-P4as latch data R1-R4.

After time t14, both display signals P1-P4 and latch data R1-R4 assumethe same level. Hence, the output signals S1-S4 of two-input exclusiveOR circuit elements EXOR1-EXOR4 assume an L level. Accordingly, theoutput signal S0 of five-input OR circuit element OR1 assumes an Llevel, and second display output unit 7 assumes a standby state.

Modifications of the First Embodiment

1) Although in the above-described embodiment, audio-frequencyoscillators OSC1-OSC4 are provided as separate units, a plurality ofaudio frequencies may be provided by dividing the output of a singleaudio-frequency oscillator. The configuration of a frequency dividerwill be simplified by selecting the oscillating frequency of theoscillator to be 2400 Hz which is the least common multiple of thefrequencies of the above-described oscillators OSC1-OSC4.

2) Although in the above-described embodiment, the waves generated fromaudio-frequency oscillators OSC1-OSC4 are sine waves, the waves may betriangular waves, rectangular waves, or waves from a musical instrument.

3) Although in the above-described embodiment, the waves generated fromaudio-frequency oscillators OSC1-OSC4 are simple sine waves, the meaningof the output of the device will be more easily understood if a humanvoice speaking a recognizable language generated from a voice synthesisapparatus or a recording/reproducing apparatus is used. For example,voice messages, such as "the power supply is turned on", "an on-linemode is provided", "an error is produced" and "paper is exhausted", arepreferred for the outputs of oscillators OSC1-OSC4, respectively.

4) Although in the above-described embodiment, the speaker generates asound having an audio frequency, the meaning of the output of the devicewill be understood even by a hearing impaired user if the speaker isreplaced by a piezoelectric vibrator or an electromagnetic vibrator. Theuser may, of course, directly touch a vibrating portion (for example,cone paper) of the speaker with his hand.

5) Although in the above-described embodiment, the speaker generates asound having an audio frequency, a quieter environment will be providedif the speaker is replaced by an earphone. The size of an amplifier canthereby be reduced, causing a decrease in the amount of consumed energy.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating a second embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 10 is a timing chart for the circuitry of thesecond embodiment. The operation of the circuitry of the presentembodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Adescription will be omitted for portions of this embodiment which arethe same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment elementsthat are the same as those used in the first embodiment are referred toby the same reference numerals and function in the same manner. As aresult, signals P1-P4, R1-R4 and S1-S5 are the same as in the firstembodiment.

Suppose that input switch SW is turned on at time t0. One-shot circuitelement OS1 is thereby triggered to generate output signal T0. Ringcounter circuit element RC starts to operate in response to receivingoutput signal T0. Output signals T1-T4 are sequentially output from ringcounter circuit element RC. In addition, if input switch SW is turnedon, the output signals Q1-Q4 of two-input OR circuit elements OR11-OR14assume an H level from times t0 to t7. Thus, at time t0 signal T1assumes the H level and then assumes the L level from times t1 to t7,signal T2 is at the L level from times t0 to t1, assumes the H levelfrom times t1 to t2 and then assumes the L level from times t2 to t8,signal T3 is at the L level from times t0 to t2, assumes the H levelfrom times t2 to t3, and again assumes the L level from times t3 to t9,and signal T4 is at the L level from times t0 to t3, assumes the H levelfrom times t3 to t4, and assumes the L level from times t4 to t10.

Output signals T1-T4 of ring counter circuit element RC, the currentdisplay output signals P1-P4, and the output signals Q1-Q4 of two-inputOR circuit elements OR11-OR14 are input to three-input AND circuitelements AND11-AND14, respectively.

Output signals T1-T4, the current display output signals P1-P4, and theoutput signals Q1-Q4 of two-input OR circuit elements OR11-OR14 are alsoinput to three-input AND circuit elements AND15-AND18, respectively.

The output signals U1-U8 of three-input AND circuit elementsAND11-AND18, respectively, develop the current display output signalsbetween times t0 and t4, and assume (H, H, L, L) and (L, L, H, H)levels, respectively. Specifically, signal U1 is at the H level betweentimes t0 and t1 and assumes the L level between times t1 to t15. SignalU2 is at the L level between times t0 and t1, assumes the H levelbetween times t1 and t2, and assumes the L level between times t2 andt15. Signal U3 is at the L level between times t0 to t9, assumes the Hlevel between times t10 and t11, and assumes the L level between timest11 and t15. Signals U4-U6 stay at the L level from times t0 to t15.Signal U7 assumes the L level from times t0 to t2, assumes the H levelfrom times t2 to t3, and assumes the L level from times t3 to t15, andsignal U8 assumes the L level from times t0 to t3, assumes the H levelfrom times t3 and t4, and assumes the L level from times t4 to t15. Theoutput signals U1-U8 become input signals to analog switch circuitelements AS1-AS8, respectively, and control the output signals ofaudio-frequency oscillators OSC1-OSC8, respectively.

The audio-frequency oscillators OSC1-OSC4 are in one group and are usedwhen the corresponding display output signals U1-U4 assume an H level.The oscillators OSC1, OSC2, OSC3 and OSC4 generate sine waves havingfrequencies of 400 Hz, 600 Hz, 800 Hz and 1200 Hz, respectively.

The audio-frequency oscillators OSC5-OSC8 are in another group and areused when the corresponding display output signals U5-U8 assume an Llevel. The oscillators OSC5, OSC6, OSC7 and OSC8 generate sine waveshaving frequencies of 1600 Hz, 2000 Hz, 2400 Hz and 2800 Hz,respectively.

The output signals V1-V8 of analog switch circuits AS1-AS8,respectively, are generated only when signals U1-U8 assume an H level,respectively. That is, sine waves having frequencies of 400 Hz, 600 Hz,2400 Hz and 2800 Hz are generated between times t0 and t1, t1 and t2, t2and t3, and t3 and t4, respectively. Accordingly signals V1 and V0 havea 400 Hz frequency between times t0 and t1, signals V2 and V0 have afrequency of 600 Hz between times t1 and t2, signals V7 and V0 have afrequency of 2400 Hz between times t2 and t3, and signals V8 and V0 havea frequency of 2800 Hz between times t3 and t4. The levels of outputsignals V1-V8 are adjusted by resistors R10-R80, respectively, for leveladjustment, and the respective signals are amplified by amplifier AMP.The output signal V0 of amplifier AMP drives speaker SP. Thus, wheninput switch SW has been turned on, a sound having an audio frequencycorresponding to the current display output signals P1-P4 is generatedfrom speaker SP.

Accordingly, in contrast to the first embodiment, in the presentembodiment, the state of the current display output can be confirmed bya sound no matter when the current display output signal P1-P4 is turnedon or off.

Suppose that at time t8, display output signal P3 changes from an Llevel (the error indicator is turned off) to an H level (the errorindicator is turned on). At time t8, the output signal S3 of two-inputexclusive OR circuit element EXOR3 assumes an H level until time t14. Asat time t0, one-shot circuit element OS1 is thereby triggered togenerate output signal T0 which assumes an H level from times t8 to t13.Ring counter circuit element RC starts to operate in response toreceiving output signal T0. Output signals T1-T4 are sequentially outputfrom ring counter circuit element RC. Thus, signal T1 assumes the Hlevel between times t8 and t9 and then assumes an L level, signal T2stays at the L level from times t8 to t9, assumes the H level from timest9 to t10, and again assumes the L level from times t10 to t15, signalT3 is at the L level from times t8 to t10, assumes the H level fromtimes t10 to t11, and again assumes the L level from times t11 to t15,and signal T4 is at the L level from times t8 to t11, assumes the Hlevel from times t11 to t12, and assumes the L level from times t12 tot15.

Subsequently, as when depressing input switch SW, the current displayoutput signals are developed between times t8-t12. However, in contrastto when input switch SW is depressed, only output signal Q3 among theoutput signals Q1-Q4 of two-input OR circuit elements OR11-OR14 assumesan H level. The output signals U1-U8 of three-input AND cir-cuitelements AND11-AND18 thereby assumes (L, L, H, L) and (L, L, L, L)levels, respectively. Specifically, between times t8 and t10, signal U3is at the L level, between times t10 and t11, signal U3 assumes the Hlevel, and thereafter assumes the L level. Consequently signals V3 andV0 have a frequency of 800 Hz between times t10 and t11. In contrast tothe case between times t0 and t4, only an 800-Hz sine wave is generatedbetween times t10 and t11. That output signal V0 drives speaker SP. Asdescribed above, if any of the display outputs change, a sound having anaudio frequency corresponding to the current display output signalsP1-P4 is generated from speaker SP. According to the above-describedoperation, a display output which could be confirmed only with thevisual sense is converted into a sound, and is provided to the user.Such a sound can be perceived and understood even by avisually-handicapped user.

At time t13, output T0 assumes an L level. Thereafter, second displayoutput unit 7 assumes a standby state by the same procedure as in thefirst embodiment.

Modifications of the Second Embodiment

1) Although in the above-described embodiment, audio-frequencyoscillators OSC1-0SC8 are provided as separate units, a plurality ofaudio frequencies may be provided by dividing the output of a singleaudio-frequency oscillator.

2) Although in the above-described embodiment, the waves generated fromaudio-frequency oscillators OSC1-OSC8 are sine waves, the waves may betriangular waves, rectangular waves, or waves from a musical instrument.

3) Although in the above-described embodiment, the waves generated fromaudio-frequency oscillators OSC1-OSC8 are sine waves, the meaning of thesignals output by the device will be more easily understood if a humanvoice generated by a voice synthesis apparatus or arecording/reproducing apparatus is used. For example, voice messages,such as "the power supply is turned on", "an on-line mode is provided","an error is produced", "paper is exhausted", "the power supply isturned off", "an off-line mode is provided", "no error is present", and"paper is present", are preferred for the outputs of oscillatorsOSC1-OSC8, respectively.

4) Although in the above-described embodiment, the speaker generates asound having an audio frequency, the meaning of the signals output bythe device will be understood even by a hearing impaired user if thespeaker is replaced by a piezoelectric vibrator or an electromagneticvibrator. The user may, of course, directly touch a vibrating portion(for example, cone paper) of the speaker with a hand.

5) Although in the above-described embodiment, the speaker generates asound having an audio frequency, a quieter environment will be providedif the speaker is replaced by an earphone. The size of an amplifier canthereby be reduced, causing a decrease in the amount of consumed energy.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic configuration of a third embodiment ofthe present invention. Devices and units indicated by the same referencenumerals as those of the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. 1 have thesame functions. Hence, a description thereof will be omitted. Conversiondevice 6 described in the first embodiment is integrated with controldevice 2. It is thereby possible to reduce the size of the entireapparatus and to improve the reliability of the apparatus. Since otherdevices and units are the same as those in the first embodiment, adescription thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present invention, the followingeffects can be obtained.

1) Visually-handicapped users can understand a display output convertedinto a sound or a voice using their auditory sense. As a result, theycan fully participate in society irrespective of their physicalhandicap.

2) Physically-handicapped users who are visually and hearing impairedcan understand a display output converted into vibrations with theirtactile sense. As a result, they can participate in society irrespectiveof their combined physical handicap.

3) The above-described conversion operations are automatically performedwhen the original display output has changed. Hence, the user can alwaysunderstand a change even while performing other kinds of jobs.Accordingly, physically-handicapped users as well as normal users canobtain information, such as information indicating the exhaustion ofpaper and the like, while performing other kinds of jobs.

4) Since the above-described conversion operations are performed whenthe original display output has changed, or by a command from the inputdevice, a sound is generated only for a short time period, minimizingany disturbance of for the surroundings.

The individual components shown in outline or designated by blocks inFIGS. 1-7, 9, and 11 are all well-known in the information processingapparatus arts and their specific construction and operation are notcritical to the operation or best mode for carrying out the invention.

While the present invention has been described with respect to what ispresently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to covervarious modifications and equivalent arrangements included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the followingclaims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompassall such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus forphysically-handicapped users, said apparatus comprising:control meansfor generating information on the operating state of said informationprocessing apparatus; input means for inputting information to saidcontrol means; a first display output unit for displaying a plurality ofinformation on the operating state of said information processingapparatus as visual display information; said control means generating aplurality of kinds of output signals corresponding to each of theplurality of information to be displayed visually on said first displayoutput unit; conversion means for converting output signals generated bysaid control means to one of auditory display information adapted to beauditorily perceived by a visually impaired user and tactile displayinformation adapted to be perceived using tactile perception by ahearing impaired user; and a second display output unit, for outputtingthe information converted by said conversion means as a sound, orvibration, comprising an electromechanically vibrated member.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the contents of the visualdisplay information change, said conversion means converts only thechanged visual display information into one of auditory displayinformation and tactile display information.
 3. An apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein, when the visual display information comprises litinformation adapted to be visually perceived by whether a light isturned on or off, said conversion means converts the lit informationinto one of auditory display information and tactile displayinformation.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprisinginstruction means for instructing the start and end of the conversionprocessing of said conversion means.
 5. The apparatus according to claim4, wherein the sound output from said second display output meanscomprises a voice message corresponding to the contents of the visualdisplay information.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein thesound output from said second display output means comprises a voicemessage corresponding to the contents of the visual display information.7. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising instructionmeans for instructing the start and end of the conversion processing ofsaid conversion means.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, whereinthe sound output from said second display output means comprises a voicemessage corresponding to the contents of the visual display information.9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sound output fromsaid second display output means comprises a voice message correspondingto the contents of the visual display information.
 10. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein, when the visual display informationcomprises lit information adapted to be visually perceived by whether alight is turned on or off, said conversion means converts the litinformation into one of auditory display information and tactile displayinformation.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprisinginstruction means for instructing the start and end of the conversionprocessing of said conversion means.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the sound output from said second display output meanscomprises a voice message corresponding to the contents of the visualdisplay information.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thesound output from said second display output means comprises a voicemessage corresponding to the contents of the visual display information.14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instructionmeans for instructing the start and end of the conversion processing ofsaid conversion means.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, whereinthe sound output from said second display output means comprises a voicemessage corresponding to the contents of the visual display information.16. An apparatus for processing information, said apparatuscomprising:control means for generating a plurality of informationrelating to the functioning of the apparatus; input means for inputtinginformation to said control means; display means, connected to saidgenerating means, for displaying a plurality of information relating tothe functioning of said apparatus generated by said generating means;said control means generating a plurality of kinds of output signalscorresponding to each of the plurality of information to be displayed bysaid display means; conversion means for converting output signalsgenerated by said control means to a sound or vibration; and outputmeans, connected to said control means, for outputting the informationdisplayed by said display means with the sound or the vibrationconverted by said conversion means, comprising an electromechanicallyvibrated member.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein saiddisplay means comprises mode display means for displaying information onthe operating mode of said apparatus.
 18. An apparatus according toclaim 16, wherein the information generated by said control means issupplied to said output means for generating vibrations.
 19. Anelectronic apparatus for processing information, said apparatuscomprising:display means for displaying information relating to thefunctioning of said apparatus; control means for generating outputsignals corresponding to the kinds of information to be displayed bysaid display means; input means for inputting information to saidcontrol means; conversion means for converting output signals generatedby said control means to different sounds or vibrations, respectively,in accordance with the kinds of information to be displayed by saiddisplay means; output means, comprising an electromechanically vibratedmember, for outputting information displayed by said display means withthe sound or the vibration converted by said conversion means; andinstruction means for instructing said output means to output theinformation displayed by said display means.
 20. An apparatus accordingto claim 19, wherein said display means comprises mode display means fordisplaying information on the operating mode of said apparatus.
 21. Anelectronic apparatus for processing information, said apparatuscomprising:generating means for generating information relating to thefunctioning of said apparatus; input means for inputting information tosaid generating means; display means for displaying the informationgenerated by said generating means; conversion means for convertinginformation to be displayed on said display means to an output signal ofa ring counter; control means for controlling the output signal of afrequency oscillator on the basis of information to be displayed on saiddisplay means and the output signal of said ring counter; an amplifierfor amplifying the output signal of the frequency oscillator controlledby said control means; said conversion means converting the outputsignal amplified by said amplifier to a sound or vibration; outputmeans, comprising an electromechanically vibrated member, for outputtingthe information displayed by said display means with the sound or thevibration converted by said second conversion means; and instructionmeans for instructing said output means to output the informationdisplayed by said display means.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 21,wherein said display means comprises mode display means for displayinginformation on the operating mode of said apparatus.
 23. An electronicapparatus for processing information, said apparatuscomprising:generating means for generating mode information relating tothe functioning of said apparatus and output signals corresponding tothe kinds of mode information; input means for inputting information tosaid generating means; display means for displaying the mode informationgenerated by said generating means; conversion means for converting theoutput signals generated by said generating means to a sound orvibration corresponding to the kinds of the mode information; outputmeans, comprising an electromechanically vibrated member, for outputtingthe output signals corresponding to the kind of mode informationdisplayed by said display means with the sound or the vibrationconverted by conversion means; and instruction means for instructingsaid output means to output the output signals corresponding to the kindof mode information displayed by said display means.